Bayern Munich 0 - 2 Arsenal: Clean sheet is like a trophy

Hmmm, i think you guys are overrating Jenks atm. I mean before Bayern (and this is true) you all said that Jenks isn't ready to start over Sagna just yet coz he's too rash in the tackles and he's just not at that level yet. Now after the Bayern game everyone rates him. All i'm saying is don't just rate a guy straight after one match, be it a good or bad performance because that seems to be the case with Jenkinson, and i don't think it's the right way to go about things. I've rated Jenks since the day i first saw him play for us, but i still don't reckon he should start over Sagna just yet. But anyways i was thinking of this:

Sagna-Merte-Kos-Monreal
Walcott-Wilshere-Diaby/Arteta-Podolski
------------------Cazorla/Rosicky--------
---------------Giroud---------------

or maybe

Walcott-Wilshere-Arteta/Diaby-Cazorla
-----------------Podolski--------------------
-----------------Giroud---------------------

or even

Walcott-Wilshere-Arteta/Diaby-Cazorla
-----Podolski-------------Giroud-------

Samuelj29060 wrote:Really proud of the team. But in a way, this game poses questions too.

Why does the team not play with this focus, particularly in defence, in more games?
Is Mertesacker-Koscielny the best CB partnership?
Should Rosicky start every game/more games?
Should Jenkinson replace Sagna now, after his last two displays?
Do we stick with Fabianski after a fine display?
Can Vermaelen, the captain, really be left out?

1. It's obvious Wenger and co. have worked on that a little, we saw something similar against Spurs but it was overshadowed by individual mistakes (Vermaelen and Monreal). Also it's not a coincidence that whenever we play Jenko, Gibbo, Koscielny and Mert we defend much better.

2. Yes, no doubt about that.

3. No. In my opinion he should be used as a super-sub, he always plays much better when he comes from the bench. Also starting Rosicky would mean benching one of Podolski/Wilshere/Cazorla... I don't think we want that.

4. Yes. While Sagna has been our most consistent defender for years, I think he lost some of his physical attributes after injuries and just is not the same Sagna anymore. But I think we should use Sagna as a CB more... especially in games where our opponents use set-pieces and crossing to score. His reading of the game and heading ability is still top class.

5. I'm not sure about this one. When Mannone was in good form we stuck with him and it was worth it... I think Fabianski deserves the same treatment after a good game. However he has no Arsenal future, I don't really know. I would stick with him.

6. Yes definitely. Sebastian Kehl (Dortmund's captain) even though he's still quality gets benched whenever the younger/better Sven Bender is 100% fit, I don't understand why this would be a problem especially with Vermaelen who's been in atrocious form in 2 years now. It would be insane to break Mertesacker and Koscielny now.

Arq -

Excellent posts Jay, Arq, Verm and Urban. Can't disagree with anything.

The thing is... Arsenal is becoming know for this. The team starts out by digging a big hole, fights valiantly and then falls just short. It's predictable.

It's as if the team needs to have nothing to lose in order to finally play well against the top sides.

A word on Jenkinson and Gibbs: you've got to be careful when rating defenders individually when your team is playing with a defensive strategy. Neither full back had a lot of one-on-one defending to do and both enjoyed the benefit of good midfield cover all game. Their performances were part way elevated by those around them also sticking to their tasks well.

I think the most impressive thing about their performances last night was how composed they were. Jenkinson, only playing his second season at this level, and for the first time away against such an opponent, made zero mistakes at the back and he got forward well. Gibbs, a bit more experienced, but not overly so, was the same, and he wasn't even fully fit. They both played with great composure and spirit.

We know they both have a lot of talent. Jenkinson perhaps won't be the most refined player around but he possesses the physical traits and mental attributes to be a consistent and solid fullback for us. He needs to work out some of the rawness in his game before becoming a first team starter. Gibbs is just held back by injury. He'll improve more as he gets more experienced.

About Fabianski

He was great, did everything right and kept a clean sheet. They also say he is ability wise the best at Arsenal

But i can't forget that he was horrible in the past. He did, before his injury, provide an excellent performance ( wolves ) but i am not sure if i can trust him fully

Defo deserves next few games but before offering him a new contract we have to see if he really has improved or not